Small business owners or entrepreneurs sometimes get lost in the retail sector mix as they look for computers and accessories for their company needs. Staying current with the latest developments in new devices and technologies specific to these customers is a must in order to create the best in-store experience to meet their unique needs.

It’s important that your sales associates understand this special market segment in order to create more successful customer interactions. Many of these customers will use the same PC for both business and personal needs. Training your associates to address both sides of the coin is key.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when developing your in-store strategy to attract and retain business customers.

Understanding Your Target Audience

According to research conducted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the segment of businesses with fewer than 20 employees has seen the largest growth. In fact, research indicates that 78.5 percent of all small businesses consist of a single owner and no employees.

Going it alone in business can be challenging. Tech products can help customers overcome some of these challenges. When your sales team understands and can articulate how PCs and total tech solutions can help, you go a long way in earning customer loyalty and sales revenue.

For many of these customers, keeping costs low can be of critical importance. Small businesses and entrepreneurs often operate on a very slim profit margin. Providing the most cost-effective and practical solutions encourages them to return to your store for future purchases and recommendations.

Presenting Workable Solutions

As we mentioned earlier, business customers are typically in search of solutions tailored to pain points or challenges. Whether owners employ several staff members or handle all aspects of their business, the need for technology designed to streamline operations efficiently and quickly is nearly universal.

Laptops and desktops that can manage the demands of these software packages are invaluable tools. Sales associates must understand the performance capabilities of the devices you offer in order to recommend not only the most cost-effective and practical solution, but the right solution to address their pain points.

Choosing the Right System

The evolving nature of the technology world can make it difficult for your customers to identify the right system for their needs. Some of the most important features for business PCs include:

• A high-speed processor for multitasking capability
• Adequate hard drive storage space
• Plenty of RAM to handle high-end productivity software
• The ability to support multiple monitors for improved display options
• Wired or Wi-Fi connectivity

For companies that specialize in graphics-heavy activities, including marketing, website design, and video production, the right graphics card can make a big difference in the speed of rendering and the overall results achieved.

Familiarizing themselves with the latest PCs powered by 8th and 9th Gen Intel® Core™ processors will help your associates provide the perfect device recommendations that can easily handle the performance and power needs of these customers.¹

Planning for the Future

Business customers often look for longer-term investments in PC equipment that will meet their needs now and well into the future. Systems powered by the lineup of 8th and new 9th Gen Intel® Core™ processors can provide superior performance for a wide range of applications.¹ By opting for a system that incorporates one of these processors, your business customers can make an investment that could pay off for years to come.

Ensure your sales team is aware of the latest Intel® technologies, such as Intel® Optane™ memory support, that can accelerate accessing and completing everyday tasks.¹ This is just one example of how Intel® products help business customers and entrepreneurs save time, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

When associates can provide this sort of information to customers, they become a valued and trusted resource for all customers who shop in your stores.

Educating Your Retail Sales Associates

One of the best strategies for making sure your sales associates have the necessary information to serve your business and entrepreneurial customers effectively is to ensure they are aware of the unique needs of this group. These customers often need more than a desktop or laptop or two. They often need peripherals, networking solutions, and more. In some cases, they aren’t even sure what is needed and look to sales associates for guidance.

Is your team prepared to deal with these unique customers? Encourage associates to participate in the Intel® Retail Edge Program, which is designed to help them understand how to provide the best total solution to your customers based on their needs.

Training is delivered in short, impactful modules and associates have the opportunity to be rewarded for their participation. Find out how The Intel® Retail Edge Program can help you meet the PC and technology needs of all of your customers.

 

 

 

 

 

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*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

©Intel Corporation 2019. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Retail Edge Program, Intel Optane, and Intel Retail Edge Live are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. 

1 Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, specific software, or services activation. Performance varies depending on system configuration. No computer system can be absolutely secure. Check with your system manufacturer or retailer or learn more at intel.com.